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The Easy Allies Hall of Greats #2

Hi Allies!

        This is the post in which I'd normally ask you to vote on what you'd like us to stream this week, but since I've rudely already decided that we're doing the Hall of Greats again (because I think we need to establish the foundation now or it may wither away), this week's vote will actually be about a rule for the Hall of Greats that I've been undecided on.
       If you missed it last time, the Hall of Greats is EZA's official list of the greatest games of all time. Each Ally nominates a game, makes a five minute speech about the game's greatness, and then must defend the game's greatness in a five minute Devil's Advocate cross-examination. Once each game has been represented, we vote as a group to determine which two games will accepted into the Easy Allies Hall of Greats. Three months ago, Metal Gear Solid and Super Metroid (after a tie-breaking vote here on Patreon) were the first inductees.
        Now, your vote. I've been wondering if I should beef up the presentation element of program. I can't decide if we should allow visual aids or to let people show videos during the five minute speeches. Part of me thinks it would be funny and make it more interesting from a show standpoint, but another part of me thinks we'd be sacrificing the purity of the debate. So our options will be: Just Speech, Visual Aids Permitted (posters, drawings, photographs), Visual Aids & Videos Permitted (gameplay, interviews, self-produced clips). If the final two options collectively get more votes than Just Speech, Visual Aids will win the vote since it's accepted in the third option. Also note that permitting these elements will not cause them to become a requirement.
       The Hall of Greats #2 will be streamed on twitch.tv/easyallies this Tuesday at 6pm PT and archived with our other streams on youtube.com/easyalliesplays

Love & Respect,
Kyle 

Comments

Any chance y'all can put the audio for this on your patron RSS feed?

Cliff Boyd

Hopefully most won't use the video but they will for sure have the option now. Besides E3 coverage this is my most anticipated stream.

ComboBreaker

I like the idea of visual aids and video because it makes for a more objective argument. Nostalgia and our inferior human brains often affect our memories of games.

Random

Present your argument in which ever manner you see fit

Having a silent video showing off the game while it is being debated would be nice. it would be like watching the community comments video. adding audio beyond maybe some ost would be distracting.

There should have been no voting. Aids convolute the entire process, but giving each individual the freedom to express their game in their own way is the obvious right choice. Ian and Don have invested heavily into the editing tree, and Huber and Jones have max level speech. Pitting the choice up to a vote is madness. It comes down to 'all' or 'nothing', and that choice shouldn't be on us. Luckily it looks like 'all' will be the winner. You almost created a bad environment for the hall of the greats, keep that in mind.

Mac

Dear 'Just Speaking' people - it's time to vote tactically. Only 'Visual Aids Permitted' can beat Video in this constituency.

Samuel Cardwell

I think video will get in the way...But visual aids show a more clear concise point, as long as all of the Allies are more or less familiar with the game being nominated. The video may be able to demonstrate a moment, but I feel that if it can't be recalled fondly through memory, it's not all that worthy of the Greats. I get that some things should be shown, but if it becomes all show, not tell, it could tumble into a non-discussion, and become something else entirely. That being said, as an argument to go against nominees, videos demonstrate the age of a game, where nostalgia/memory may dilute it with pleasantries. I still believe that poster and visual aides, including powerpoints and the like, would be more entertaining, to see what people come up with, and more about the argument, rather than the... Just look at this, isn't it amazing...Just watch. Less talking and such. We should be able to say why they're Greats without showing why. L&R -drd7of14

drd7of14

If videos get approved then I think everyone will need to do them. Game clips and nostalgic music will probably win out against the most impassioned speech.

ComboBreaker

Videos should definitely be limited, 5 minutes is not a lot of time for a presentation (as I've learned in my college career).

Tyler Botill

Voted for only Visual Aids. Feel videos might cause too much tech trouble and slow down the whole show.

Olf Himself

Wow, now am I in the minority or what with "Just Speech". I guess I just now feel that the visual aids should have been there already from the first powwow if they are included at all. But ok, this is evolution happening. Also, please try and have all the Allies there always for Hall of Greats meetings.

Ville Ranto

Megaman Legends would have a better chance had you shown a cutscene, and all the personality the game has. It's damn magical. Likewise, you can showcase whether or not a game actually 'HOLDS UP' with video, rather than play on Nostalgia alone.

POKEY CLYDE

From an entertainment-perspective an awards show with videos is way better, so go for it!

Volker Bach

Gameplay videos, yes! Experiencing a part of the game may help put into others minds what you may not be able to put into words.

Videos might end up being a crutch. I say go for visual aids sans video.

Gan Khef

I think if you're going to add visual aids, then you need to push back the presentations to next week to let everyone prepare. 1 day isn't going to produce any meaningful work other than googled youtube videos. I'd like it to be more involved and fun than that.

Fire Safety

i like the idea of visual aids only because its makes it seem like a pitch at a business meeting

I love that idea. Hope someone reads the comment above. Nothing crazy just a short video to honor the inductee(s). Fantastic idea.

ComboBreaker

Another suggestion: I think it would be cool if, when a game is entered into The Hall of Greats, it got a video on the main EZA channel with a script and some Brandon Jones v.o. reflecting on the game's legacy. It would make the hall something more tangible and meaningful in the long run. Just a suggestion though, I know everyone has a lot on their plates!

I voted for videos/visual aids but I agree they should all be created by the Allies themselves and not from external sources. Gotta work for YOUR presentation.

I vote for videos with the stipulation they have to be creations of the ally presenting the inductee.

Speech + visual aids. I want the Allies to get creative ala diorama. No screencaps or vids from the actual video games.

LeeLore

Or they could do a group discussion about it on the next frametrap or EZA podcast. Cool idea either way.

klastical

Slightly off topic, but what I think would be cool is if winners made a short (1 to 2 min) video celebrating/recapping why their game was voted into the HotG, which would then be premiered at the beginning of the next HotG ceremony (and put online for posterity).

Visual aids permitted, I'd just really like to see the allies' amateurish drawings/fan art of very specific scenes in video games

umryan

I voted for videos to be included based on the fact that as soon as I read it I heard Huber's voice saying "Look at Thisss" over some boss fight gameplay and that has sold me.

I'm a fan of 'elevator pitches' to make your point. Convincing others to your view in 5mins without requiring any prepared materials apart from the ideas in your head. If you can't do that for a game, then it's not worthy of being one of the greats.

Neuromod

I'd prefer just speech, but if someone thinks he needs to use visual aids or a video to make his point I am game for it. :)

erni

Just speech is what I think would be the best, but since that's clearly not happening, visual aids, no video.

To be honest, IMO this should not be a stream at all. It should be a prerecorded show with videos and everything. It just would fit this better and would be even more enjoyable that way. But anyway, definitely give us videos if we can't get a prerecorded, well edited show.

RedVIII

I support the idea of videos that are edited by the person making the nomination.

Anything and everything should be permitted! Let your boundless creativity fight your battles allies!

Colin Cooper

Jk 3rd choice obviously

I'm in favor of visual aids, barring any actual gameplay

I smell corruption! Kyle is a masterclass artist, obviously he's just trying to improve his chances of getting Megaman Legends inducted. Keep it pure!

The format last time was fine. No need to over-complicate.

TurboChickenMan

I voted visual evidence. Because it would give a better understanding of the allies picks for games a patron or a casual gamer may be vague on. Also (unrelated to vote) I hope in the future that if an allie wants to submit a game, that ally MUST be present to present their case. The video package would be a huge disadvantage as they would not be at the the debate for any rebuttals that may arise.

XWF Outlaw

Even if they do use visual aids and video they're still committed to only approx 5 minutes. So it sounds pretty good/fair.

Dizcrowell

Everyone gets 3 pieces of "Evidence" to back up or represent a point of their argument.

While visual aids and video might be better suited for some Allies over others, I think implementing them into the voting process would be seriously entertaining.

I put video, but I would like it to be restricted to at least self edited content. If you've only got 5 minutes, showing a trailer would be a poor use of time

Skankman

I think visual aid is a good idea. Like showing a poster/drawing to demonstrate a point something rather than just showing gameplay. I think with the right rules and restrictions, it would add to the show without compromising the actual conversation.

Steven Vella

I feel that if someone can make use of videos and visual aids in a way that best proves their point, what is the harm? If you're asked to give a presentation as a job, you use the best instruments at your disposal, correct? Let the Allies give it their all.

Jeff Kendall

I'd say speech only. Visual aid is more likely to favour the games by those who have more time to prepare, or are simply better at the visual stuff. The whole process should be about the games and not about who got a technical edge in presenting them. Additionally, this may lead to recency bias. If most allies nominate older games and only one or two have a rather recent one, their visual presentation would be much more effective in comparison.

Visual aids could become pretty fun, but I fear the more it's on the allies to present the less it's just the games standing for themselves. as long as there's equal footings, not one ally comes with a video blowout and another just there to say yeah, it's good.

Ajax

I don't like the idea of showing gameplay footage, but if a video is made by the person, that might be cool. Again, so long as it isn't just game footage.

Daniel Askew

Adding music from the games soundtrack as a background for the speech would help make each speech more dramatic.

Visual aids but only if they are hand drawn by the ally presenting. Boom

Steven Blomkamp

The purest form is just speech. The best form would be visual aid. Adding videos, makes it much too hard on Damiani, switching out things like that is just asking for multiple hiccups on his end, as he'll be trying to read dumb neogaf threads. It is up to the Allies to bring us in and treat us to a presentation, twinkling at our heart strings and making us feel Nostalgia for a game like Black Flag. I would only enjoy having a video shown if it was an original production, where the ally either records over the video and presents it, or speaks whilst the video plays in a corner of the screen. All the best, all the best. LR

Dalink28

Can you combine the Just Speech and Visual Aids % at the end, I am sure the ppl who voted just speech would pick visual aids vs video. If they did not get the % and had to vote either or.

I think videos can be allowed only if it will be allies montage but not official trailers or regular gameplay parts.

I had to pick the third option. I suddenly had flashbacks to the "dino crisis diorama's" previously and after seeing how creative the allies can be this should be an interesting occasion.

Visual aids only.

Video is too much. Imo it will ruin the flow and the passion behind hearing someone fight for their nomination. Visual aids are great but please no video. Plus I agree it will be time consuming and create potential for tech issues. What have you done Kyle? ;)

ComboBreaker

Video is a step too far. Some will have a clear disadvantage in making them. They are far too time-consuming, and can kill the flow of a presentation. When was the last time you were happy when someone forced you to watch a video in a lecture? It never works. You must veto video if it wins.

I think visual aids would be amazing, though videos might be pushing it.

Hm, I don't know if videos would be good for the flow. The speech should be the main focus.

Dennis M.

I like the idea of working within some kind of restraint. Videos are easy, but making a poster board presentation or something like that would be really interesting and effective. But I guess that plays into it -- if you really wanted your submission to win you wouldn't take the easy route

Videos seem cheap to me. The point of the debate is to use your passion to sway the votes of others in the moment. If you want to use a video to show a games graphics or a certain moment you can still use your words to the same effect.

klastical

Visual Aids could be hilarious. Don't know about videos though.

Mike Dengel

I think videos would take away more from the presentation than they would add. Other visual aids on the other hand can be great. Thinking of the dioramas you guys made

I personally think you guys should add a game to the hall of greats once a month (At least until you have 5 or 6 in the hall) xx

videos are a terrible idea

Michal Dudic

I'm hoping for no videos - really want to see the allies make a trifold or something

I don't like the idea of videos. I think it's nice to make you use your words; I'd hate it if an eloquent speech got beaten by some Tom Haverfordesque razzmatazz.

Samuel Cardwell

I think visual aids could bias the vote because the more interesting/creative ones could make someone want to vote for the aid rather than the game itself. That said, I would love to see what kind of things people would make, so I voted visual aids :)

Bokthand

Videos. Sometimes the audience needs more than words to get the true content behind them. Explaining Shadow of the Colossus as elegantly as you can wouldn't dare match with the simple visual of the actual vista, or the colossi, etc. Maybe there should be a limit on how much video. But it's fair to include for sure imo..

Bennett M. Gastin III

Part of me likes the high stakes of having an ally present with just their words. They have to make it count! But for the sake of making a stronger case, I guess videos could help with that.

Just Speech is going to lose but that's what I want. Paint us a picture, gentlemen. Make us believe.

Jereme Hiestand

Voted to allow everything. I just think having access to all the tools available will make the whole thing more that much more compelling

Had to think about it for a hot minute but voted for just speech.

Tetsujin

Videos because why the heck not

Heru Muharrar

I think just the nitty gritty of speech works best. Having strong debates and pleas for a game to be included would be much more effective with just words.

I voted for videos because I need to see what video huber picks...

I think Visual Aids, but no videos would be interesting because the allies would have to be creative about how they present. But either way I can't wait!


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